Water enters diesel in three primary forms:

• Dissolved (invisible, fully in solution within the fuel).
• Emulsified (tiny suspended droplets that make the fuel appear cloudy or hazy).
• Free (separate liquid layer that settles at the tank bottom, since water is denser than diesel).

Main Sources of Water Contamination

Human Error or Poor Handling Practices Simple oversights like leaving fill caps unsecured, exposing drums or portable tanks to rain, improper storage, or careless refueling can allow direct water entry.

Condensation (by far the most common source) Temperature fluctuations cause fuel tanks to “breathe.” As the fuel and tank cool (e.g., overnight, during seasonal changes, or in varying weather), warm, humid air is drawn in through vents, breathers, or fill pipes. This air cools upon contact with the colder tank walls or fuel surface, reaching its dew point and condensing into liquid water droplets. These droplets accumulate and mix into the fuel. This process is exacerbated in:

Above-ground tanks (greater temperature swings).

Partially filled tanks (larger air space and surface area).

Humid climates or environments with high day-night temperature variations.

Contaminated Fuel from the Supply Chain or Delivery Water can already be present when you receive the fuel. Causes include:

Insufficient settling time at the refinery or during transport.

Shared pipelines or transport systems that introduce moisture.

Contaminated supplier storage tanks. Excess dissolved water may exceed saturation (especially as fuel cools), causing it to “fall out” as free water that settles in your tank.

Leaks or Compromised Tank Integrity External water enters through:

Damaged seals, cracked tanks, faulty vents, loose fill caps, or degraded spill containment.

Rain, snow, pressure washing, groundwater seepage, flooding, or even accidental drainage of collected rainwater into the tank.

Need help? See https://dieselcraft.com/portable-fuel-polishing/

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When biodiesel is poorly made—often referred to as “bad biodiesel”—one of the biggest red flags is a high concentration of glycerine (or glycerin/glycerol). Here’s why that matters:
What Glycerine Is in Biodiesel
• Glycerine is a byproduct of the transesterification process used to make biodiesel from fats or oils.
• Ideally, it should be separated and removed during production.
• If not properly removed, it remains in the fuel as free glycerine or bound glycerides (mono-, di-, or triglycerides).
Why High Glycerine Is a Problem
• Engine Damage: Excess glycerine can clog fuel injectors, form deposits on pistons and valves, and lead to poor combustion.
• Cold Weather Issues: Glycerine solidifies at relatively high temperatures, which can cause fuel gelling and blockages in cold climates.
• Storage Instability: Glycerine can separate out over time, reducing shelf life and causing sediment in tanks.
• Fails Standards: High glycerine levels mean the fuel doesn’t meet ASTM D6751 or EN 14214 standards, making it unsuitable for commercial use.
How It’s Measured
• Standards like ASTM D6584 and EN 14105 use gas chromatography to measure both free and total glycerine in biodiesel.
• Acceptable limits are very low—typically <0.02% for free glycerine and <0.24% for total glycerine in B100 biodiesel.
Can It Be Fixed?
• Yes, but it requires reprocessing or purification, such as:
• Washing the biodiesel to remove impurities
• Vacuum distillation
• Membrane filtration or electrodialysis for crude glycerine recovery
Contact www.dieselcraft.com for a fuel purifier and centrifuge to fix the problem.

MORE INFO

The post Black or Brown Solids in My Diesel Fuel: Causes and Solutions appeared first on Dieselcraft.

The Importance of Fuel Maintenance

The fuel that powers these emergency generators is just as crucial as the generators themselves. Over time, fuel can degrade due to microbial contamination, water accumulation, sediment buildup, and natural aging. If left unchecked, this deterioration can lead to generator failure when it is needed most.

Poor fuel maintenance can cause clogged filters, damaged injectors, corroded fuel systems, and reduced generator performance. In the worst-case scenario, fuel contamination may result in complete generator failure during a critical emergency.

Advantages of Fixed Fuel Polishing Systems

To counter these risks, many hospitals have adopted fixed fuel polishing systems. These systems clean and filter stored fuel, removing contaminants and water to maintain its integrity. The benefits of fuel polishing systems include:

1. Enhanced Reliability: Ensures fuel remains in optimal condition, reducing the risk of generator failure.
2. Extended Equipment Lifespan: Prevents damage caused by degraded fuel, prolonging the life of both the fuel and the generator.
3. Cost Efficiency: Reduces maintenance expenses, prevents costly generator repairs, and extends fuel usability.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Helps hospitals meet fuel maintenance regulations, avoiding potential penalties and ensuring operational readiness.

Risks of Ignoring Fuel Maintenance

Neglecting fuel care can lead to significant consequences, including:

1. Unreliable Backup Power: Degraded fuel increases the risk of generator malfunction or total failure.
2. Higher Operational Costs: Poor fuel management results in expensive repairs, equipment replacement, and potential fines for non-compliance.
3. Patient Safety Hazards: A power failure in a hospital can have life-threatening consequences if essential medical equipment becomes inoperable.

Ensuring Reliable Emergency Power

Proper fuel management requires routine testing, monitoring, and maintenance to ensure high fuel quality and availability. Hospitals must implement robust fuel management protocols to safeguard their critical infrastructure, minimize financial risks, and, most importantly, protect patient lives. In times of crisis, having a well-maintained fuel system can make the difference between seamless medical care and a catastrophic power failure. MORE INFO

The post The Vital Role of Generator Fuel in Hospitals appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Here are the key questions to investigate:

• Is the fuel clear and bright or cloudy?
• Are you using an additive? If so, which one, at what ratio, and how often?
• Is the entire fuel volume cloudy, or only the bottom around the fuel pick-up?

Fuel Sampling Steps

1. Take a sample from the water separator. Is the fuel clear and bright, or cloudy?
2. Take a sample from the top of the fuel tank. Is it clear and bright, or cloudy?
3. Take a sample from the next fuel delivery. Is it clear and bright, or cloudy?

Checking for Overdosing Issues

• Is your supplier providing a winter blend fuel?
• Is the supplier blending the additive? If so, ask for the exact ratio.
• If the fuel supplier overdosed the fuel—or if you added a cold flow improver to an already treated winter blend—you may have caused the issue.
• Water reacts to excessive additives, preventing it from being trapped by a water-blocking filter.

Understanding Additive Ratios

It’s crucial to use the correct amount of additive:

• There are 128 ounces in 1 gallon.
• If an additive treats 1 gallon per 1,000 gallons of fuel, then 1 ounce treats 7.8 gallons.
• Did you add more than the recommended amount? More is not better!

Locating and Removing the Problem Fuel

• Overdosed additives tend to sink to the tank bottom, where the engine’s fuel pick-up is located.
• Take samples from different points in the tank to determine where clear and bright fuel transitions to cloudy.
• Pump off and store the bottom fuel until the water naturally separates over time.

Testing for Contamination

To test fuel clarity, use this method: Diesel Fuel Contamination Test.
If the results are inconclusive, a lab test ($200–$400) may be required—contact us for recommendations.

Conclusion

Diesel fuel additives are a cost-effective way to improve engine performance in cold weather. They enhance cold flow without sacrificing power or performance and don’t reduce lubricity or cetane levels like kerosene.

However, excessive additive use can cause contamination issues. Based on our findings, the fuel was likely delivered with too much winter blend additive or was overdosed during treatment.

The post Troubleshooting Fuel Contamination Issues appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Get your engines running at peak performance with Dieselcraft Fuel Polishing Machines! Our cutting-edge machines expertly eliminate water, sludge, and contaminants from your fuel, ensuring your diesel is always clean and ready for action. Whether you’re powering boats, trucks, or backup generators, Dieselcraft guarantees your fuel stays in prime condition—helping you save precious time, slash maintenance costs, and reduce fuel waste!

Boost Fuel Efficiency
Protect Your Engine’s Longevity
Lower Maintenance Costs

• Intuitive and High-Quality Design
• Perfect for Emergency Power Systems
• Proven Results in Eliminating Fuel Contamination

Don’t let dirty fuel compromise your performance. Choose Dieselcraft for reliable fuel solutions!
Learn more today! https://dieselcraft.com/portable-fuel-polishing/

The post Is Your Backup Generator Struggling Due to Diesel Engine Performance Issues? appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Is your fuel system at risk? Watch for these warning signs:

• Contamination: Check for sludge or dark layers at the bottom of the tank.
• Testing: Collect a fuel sample to analyze for harmful microbes using available kits.
• Filters: Look for blockages or slime on fuel filters.
• Professional Help: If contamination is suspected, consult a fuel quality testing service.

Don’t wait—act now to protect your fuel system!

Contact us for expert assistance:
https://dieselcraft.com/test-for-algae-bacteria-in-fuel/

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The post WARNING: Fuel Problem – Algae in the Tank and Plugged Filters! appeared first on Dieselcraft.

1. Microbial Contamination: Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast can thrive in fuel storage tanks, especially in the presence of water and nutrients. Microbial growth can lead to the formation of biomass, sludge, and corrosive byproducts, which degrade fuel quality and compromise engine performance.
2. Water Contamination: Water can enter fuel storage tanks through condensation, leaks, or inadequate tank sealing. Water contamination promotes microbial growth, causes fuel oxidation, and facilitates the separation of fuel-water emulsions, leading to fuel instability and corrosion of tank components.
3. Oxidation: Exposure to air and oxygen promotes oxidation reactions in fuel, resulting in the formation of gum, varnish, and insoluble deposits. Oxidative degradation causes fuel to darken, thicken, and develop a foul odor, reducing its combustion efficiency and engine performance.
4. Chemical Reactions: Fuel degradation can occur due to chemical reactions between fuel components, additives, and contaminants present in the storage environment. Reactions such as hydrolysis, polymerization, and acid-base reactions can alter fuel composition, viscosity, and stability, leading to engine fouling and corrosion.
5. Temperature Fluctuations: Temperature fluctuations in storage tanks can accelerate fuel degradation processes by promoting water condensation, microbial activity, and chemical reactions. Extreme temperatures can also cause fuel to expand or contract, leading to tank corrosion and structural damage.
6. Light Exposure: Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can accelerate fuel degradation by promoting oxidative reactions and photochemical degradation of fuel components. Light exposure can degrade fuel quality, reduce its shelf life, and compromise engine performance over time.
7. Contaminant Buildup: Accumulation of contaminants such as rust, sediment, and debris in storage tanks can accelerate fuel degradation by catalyzing chemical reactions, promoting microbial growth, and clogging fuel filters and delivery systems.

To mitigate fuel degradation in storage tanks, it’s essential to implement preventive measures such as:

• Regular fuel testing and analysis to monitor fuel quality and detect signs of degradation.
• Proper tank maintenance, including cleaning, inspection, and corrosion prevention measures.
• Implementing fuel additives and stabilizers to inhibit oxidation, microbial growth, and chemical degradation.
• Installing tank vents, filters, and water separators to prevent water ingress and remove contaminants.
• Implementing storage tank management practices such as proper tank design, ventilation, and temperature control to minimize degradation risks.

By addressing these factors and implementing proactive maintenance and monitoring practices, industries can minimize the impact of fuel degradation in storage tanks, ensure fuel quality, and maintain the reliability and performance of their equipment and vehicles. MORE INFO

Contact Dieselcraft to discuss your fuel issues and testing. Call or Text 530 613 2150 Email sales@dieselcraft.com

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Here is a sample purchased at a national brand truck stop that was delivering B20 fuel, meaning 20% Biodiesel and pulled from the trucks water separator.

B20 is a common blend because it represents a good balance of cost, emissions, cold-weather performance, materials compatibility, and ability to act as a solvent. Most Biodiesel users purchase B20 or lower blends from their normal fuel distributors or from Biodiesel marketers. Regulated fleets that use Biodiesel blends of 20% or higher qualify for Biodiesel fuel use credits under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.

B20 must meet prescribed quality standards as specified by ASTM D7467.

We are told that the state regulators passed the fuel. It is oblivious they did not use step one of a fuel test. LOOK AT THE FUEL. It is not clear and it not bright and would fail all tests as to quality immediately.

The dark layer at the bottom of the container is glycerine that has continues to drop out of the Biodiesel. This reaction should have been complete at the Biodiesel processor not after it was blended with diesel.

When this hit the engine fuel system, the engine stopped and the arguing started.

Contact the fuel supplier and your insurance company.

MORE INFO

The post Diesel Engine Quit? Mystery Liquid in Fuel System – What to Do appeared first on Dieselcraft.

Medical, Emergency / First Response, Senior Care / Assisted Living, Data Centers, Airports, Communication, Transportation, and Energy companies, all must test fuel annually.

Joint Commission Requirement on Fuel testing: EC.02.05.07-8, The National Fire Protection NFPA 110 2010 requires at least annually a fuel quality test in accordance with “approved ASTM standards.”

“At least annually, the critical access hospital, tests the fuel quality to ASTM standards. The test results and completions dates must be documented.

NFPA 30 and 70 requires facilities are also required to comply with federal and state regulations on fuel storage systems under 40 CFR 112 for Above Ground Storage Tanks (AST) – including day tanks, 40 CFR 280 for Underground Storage Tanks (UST), 29 CFR 1910 for emergency actions, and AST inspections IAW either SP001 or API 653.

 Are you  aware that several fuel properties change over time?

Are your aware fuel testing and reporting the results is now mandatory.

 A fuel’s thermal stability is a critical property to monitor. Has your fuel become contaminated?  Controlling contamination is the biggest challenge for fuel storage. Water and debris can enter the tank, leading to biological growth. These contaminates could change fuel properties, such as flash point, impact ignition quality and cause tank corrosion that will lead to plugged filters and abrasive fuel system wear.

Dieselcraft Laboratory Services offers the ASTM D975 test package needed to keep you in compliance.

See the company web page
https://dieselcraft.com/manditory-generator-fuel-testing-package/

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